Broken Necks & Close Calls: 10 WWE Moves That Almost Turned Tragic
Piledriver (various forms): This head-spiking maneuver, when executed incorrectly, puts
immense pressure on the neck and spine.
Diving Headbutt (especially off high structures): While iconic for some, the impact from a
significant height directly onto the head and neck is incredibly risky.
Canadian Destroyer: This flipping piledriver variation is visually spectacular but leaves little
room for error in execution and landing.
Shooting Star Press: A high-risk aerial move where a wrestler flips forward in the air,
landing on their opponent. Misjudging the distance or rotation can be catastrophic.
Brainbuster (various forms): Lifting an opponent upside down and dropping them headfirst
is inherently dangerous.
Muscle Buster: Lifting an opponent onto the shoulders in a seated position and then
dropping them onto their back/neck area can be devastating if not done perfectly.
Powerbomb (especially from the top rope): Dropping an opponent from a height onto their
back or neck carries a significant risk of spinal injury.
Hurricanrana (when poorly executed): While often a fluid move, a mistimed or poorly
landed hurricanrana can put severe strain on the neck and upper body.